JP2024036076A - Information processing unit and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To synchronize data as instructed by another information processing unit to synchronize the data when synchronizing the data by letting another information processing unit transmit the data in response to an inquiry received via a path for synchronization where only the local unit can start communication.SOLUTION: An actual device 10 has: a bidirectional communication path connection part 111 which connects a bidirectional communication path where communication can be started in either direction to a virtual device 30 after informing the virtual device 30 of return from a power-saving state through a path for synchronization; a synchronous processing part 11 which synchronizes data with the virtual device 30 on receiving a synchronization request via the bidirectional communication path; an influence degree determination part 131 which determines a degree of influence of data synchronization on a job being executed; and a job execution control part 13 which performs execution control to change execution conditions of the job and continue the execution or quit executing the job according to the degree of influence of the data synchronization on the job being executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and a program.

Recently, technology has become known that provides cloud services by linking a real multifunction device and a virtual device on the cloud that is compatible with the multifunction device. Users can access services such as image processing provided by a multifunction device by accessing a virtual device on the cloud without directly accessing the multifunction device.

In order for the virtual device to provide the same services as the multifunction device, the multifunction device and the virtual device are sequentially synchronized and maintain the same data or a state in which data is associated with each other. Synchronization is initiated in response to the multifunction peripheral inquiring the virtual device for updates.

Incidentally, a multifunction peripheral may save power by turning off the power or in a power saving mode, but cannot synchronize with a virtual device when in a power saving state. Therefore, when the multifunction device returns from the power saving state, it inquires of the virtual device for updates, takes in the data that was updated during the time when synchronization could not be achieved, and brings the device into a synchronized state.

JP2016-082334A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-144949 JP 2017-010321 Publication

In the case of a synchronization method that synchronizes data between information processing devices by having other information processing devices send data in response to inquiries from the own device, when data is updated on the other information processing device side. However, unless an inquiry was made from the own device, it was not possible to synchronize the data updated on the other information processing device side.

The present invention provides a method for synchronizing data by having another information processing device transmit data in response to an inquiry via a synchronization path in which communication can only be initiated from the own device side. The purpose is to enable data synchronization in response to synchronization instructions.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention can communicate with another information processing apparatus by causing the other information processing apparatus to transmit data in response to an inquiry via a synchronization path in which communication can only be initiated from the own apparatus side. An information processing device that synchronizes data, including a processor, and the processor transmits a path establishment request to the other information processing device via the synchronization path, thereby establishing the synchronization path separately from the synchronization path. If a communication path is established with another information processing device that allows communication to be started from any direction, and if data synchronization is instructed from the other information processing device via the communication path, the instruction is The data is synchronized accordingly.

Further, the communication path is characterized in that the established state is maintained during operation.

Further, when the processor synchronizes the data in response to an instruction from the other information processing device, the processor controls the execution of the job depending on the degree of influence on the execution of the job.

Further, the processor is characterized in that if the synchronization of the data affects the execution of the job, the processor suspends execution of the job.

Further, the processor is characterized in that the processor notifies the execution requester that execution of the job has been canceled.

Furthermore, if the synchronization of the data affects the execution of the job but changes the execution conditions of the job, the processor changes the execution conditions of the job and executes the job. It is characterized by

Further, the processor is characterized in that the processor notifies the execution requester that the execution conditions of the job have been changed.

Further, the processor is characterized in that if the synchronization of the data does not affect the execution of the job, the processor executes the job as is.

Further, the processor is characterized in that the processor notifies a user who is setting up a job related to the data that data will be synchronized in response to an instruction from the other information processing device.

Further, the other information processing device is characterized in that it is formed on a cloud.

A program according to the present invention is a computer that synchronizes data with another computer by causing the other computer to transmit data in response to an inquiry via a synchronization path in which communication can only be initiated from the own device side. , by sending a path establishment request to the other computer via the synchronization path, communication can be started from any direction with the other computer separately from the synchronization path. A function of establishing a path, and a function of synchronizing the data in response to an instruction from the other computer via the communication path are realized.

According to the invention described in claim 1, when synchronizing data by causing another information processing device to transmit data in response to an inquiry via a synchronization path in which communication can only be initiated from the own device side, Data can be synchronized in response to synchronization instructions from other information processing devices.

According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to maintain a state in which data synchronization instructions from other information processing devices can be received while the information processing device is in operation.

According to the third aspect of the invention, execution of a job can be controlled in consideration of the degree of influence on the job.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, if data synchronization affects job execution, it is possible to prevent the job from being executed under the current execution conditions.

According to the invention set forth in claim 5, it is possible to notify the execution requester that the job was not executed as scheduled and was canceled.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, a job can be executed with the execution conditions changed.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to notify the execution requester that the execution conditions set for the job have been changed.

According to the invention set forth in claim 8, even if data is synchronized, the job can be executed as is.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent execution of jobs that are affected by data synchronization.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, data can be synchronized in response to an instruction from another external information processing device.

According to the invention described in claim 11, when synchronizing data by causing another information processing device to transmit data in response to an inquiry via a synchronization path in which communication can only be initiated from the own device side, Data can be synchronized in response to synchronization instructions from other information processing devices.

1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a service system and a block configuration of each device in the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of influence degree determination information stored in influence degree determination information storage unit 18 in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing synchronization processing in this embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing job control processing in the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a service system and the block configuration of each device in this embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which a multifunction device 10 installed in an on-premises environment and a multifunction device 30 formed on a cloud are connected via a network 2 such as the Internet. Since the multifunction device 10 is an actual device that is physically installed in an on-premises environment, it will also be referred to as a "real device 10" in the following description. On the other hand, since the multifunction device 30 is a multifunction device that is virtually formed on the cloud, it will also be referred to as a "virtual device 30" in the following description. In the present embodiment, the real device 10 and the virtual device 30 will be described as having a one-to-one relationship for convenience; however, a plurality of real devices 10 may be associated with one virtual device 30. good.

The multifunction device 10 in this embodiment is a form of an image forming device equipped with various functions such as a printing function, a copying function, and a scanner function, and is a device that includes an information processing device (also referred to as a "computer"). The multifunction device 10 in this embodiment can be realized with a conventionally existing general-purpose hardware configuration. That is, the multifunction device 10 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a storage means such as a hard disk drive (HDD) for storing image data, a mailbox, etc., an operation panel as a user interface, a network 2 such as the Internet, and a computer carried by the user. It is equipped with a communication means to realize short-range wireless communication with an IC card, and a scanner, print engine, etc. necessary to provide various functions. Additionally, a card reader may be connected to support IC cards.

The virtual device 30 is a form of a virtual image forming apparatus realized by one or more computers, and is an apparatus including an information processing apparatus.

In order for the real device 10 and the virtual device 30 to provide equivalent services to the user, it is necessary to synchronize data between the real device 10 and the virtual device 30. “Data synchronization” basically means keeping the same data mutually. Further, a part of the software (referred to as a "subset") that exists in the virtual device 30 may also exist in the multifunction device 10. In this way, the term "data synchronization" is not interpreted to mean that the data held by each is completely the same. In the present embodiment, "data synchronization" refers to a state in which the multifunction peripherals 10 and 30 cooperate to provide the services that each of them should provide using data.

Further, "data" includes applications, data used in applications, various setting values for the multifunction peripherals 10 and 30, and the like. That is, in the present embodiment, electronic data that is referred to when the multifunction devices 10 and 30 operate is collectively referred to as "data." Note that if the data is an application, it will be necessary to synchronize it due to version upgrades or additions of functions.

In FIG. 1, the real device 10 includes a synchronization processing section 11, a job reception section 12, a job execution control section 13, a user interface section 14, a control section 15, a data storage section 16, a job queue 17, and an influence degree determination information storage section 18. has. Note that FIG. 1 shows only the components necessary for explaining the present embodiment, and other components, such as components for realizing the printing function etc. provided by the multifunction device 10, are shown. Omitted.

The synchronization processing unit 11 performs a synchronization process to synchronize data with the virtual device 30. As synchronization processing, the synchronization processing unit 11 performs data synchronization via a synchronization path as before, and data synchronization via a bidirectional communication path, which is characteristic of this embodiment. The synchronization processing section 11 includes a bidirectional communication path connection section 111 and a request reception section 112. The bidirectional communication path connection unit 111 connects a bidirectional communication path with the virtual device 30. The request receiving unit 112 receives a synchronization request sent from the virtual device 30 via the bidirectional communication path.

As described above, in this embodiment, two types of communication paths, a "synchronization path" and a "bidirectional communication path", are connected between the real device 10 and the virtual device 30. The "synchronization path" is a communication path that has been used for a long time, and is a communication path that can initiate communication only from the real device 10 side. When using the synchronization path, the virtual device 30 can send updated data to the real device 10 by responding to inquiries from the real device 10, and can synchronize the updated data in the virtual device 30. . Note that "updated data" refers to data that needs to be synchronized because it does not match the data held by the real device 10 due to updates such as additions, changes, and deletions in the virtual device 30. means. Furthermore, the "bidirectional communication path" is a communication path that is established separately from the synchronization path, and is a communication path that allows communication to be started from either of the multifunction peripherals 10 and 30, that is, from any direction.

The job accepting unit 12 accepts jobs from users and queues the accepted jobs in a job queue 17. The job execution control unit 13 controls the execution of jobs queued in the job queue 17. The influence degree determining section 131 included in the job execution control section 13 refers to the influence degree determination information and determines the degree of influence that the update data has on job execution. The user interface unit 14 accepts user operations on the operation panel and displays information on the operation panel. The control unit 15 controls the overall operation of the multifunction device 10, such as display control on the operation panel and recovery from a power saving state.

The data storage unit 16 stores at least data to be synchronized with the virtual device 30. Jobs accepted by the job accepting unit 12 are accumulated in the job queue 17.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the influence degree determination information stored in the influence degree determination information storage unit 18 in this embodiment. The influence degree determination information is information that is set and registered in the influence degree determination information storage section 18 in advance, and is information that is referred to by the influence degree determination section 131. The influence degree determination information is set by associating "contents of setting change," "job affected by change," and "job execution control." The contents of the setting change of the update data are set in "Contents of setting change". “Job Affected by Change” is set to the type of job that is affected by the change in the settings of the update data. In "Job Execution Control", the details of execution control for the job are set.

Each component 11 to 15 in the real device 10 is realized by the cooperative operation of a computer forming the real device 10 and a program running on a CPU installed in the computer. Further, each of the storage units 16 to 18 is realized by an HDD mounted on the actual device 10. Alternatively, RAM or external storage means may be used via a network.

The virtual device 30 includes a synchronization processing section 31 and a data storage section 32. Since the virtual device 30 is a virtual multifunction device of the real device 10, it basically has the same functions as the real device 10. However, components that are not used in the explanation of this embodiment are omitted from the diagram. Furthermore, the functions of the components not omitted, that is, the synchronization processing section 31 are also slightly different.

The synchronization processing unit 31 performs synchronization processing to synchronize data between the multifunction peripherals 10 and 30 by operating in cooperation with the synchronization processing unit 11 . The synchronization processing section 31 includes a bidirectional communication path connection section 311 and a synchronization request section 312. The two-way communication path connection unit 311 connects a two-way communication path with the actual device 10 by operating in cooperation with the two-way communication path connection unit 111. The synchronization request unit 312 requests the real device 10 to synchronize update data via the bidirectional communication path. The data storage unit 16 stores at least update data to be synchronized with the real device 10.

The synchronization processing unit 11 in the virtual device 30 is realized by cooperative operation of a computer installed in the virtual device 30 and a program running on a CPU installed in the computer. Further, the data storage unit 32 is realized by an HDD installed in the virtual device 30. Alternatively, storage means on RAM or the cloud may be used.

Furthermore, the program used in this embodiment can of course be provided by communication means, but also stored and provided in a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory. Programs provided from a communication means or a recording medium are installed in a computer, and the CPU of the computer sequentially executes the programs to realize various processes.

As described above, each of the multifunction peripherals 10 and 30 provides equivalent services. To this end, the synchronization process performed to synchronize data between the multifunction peripherals 10 and 30 is started by the real device 10 inquiring the virtual device 30 via the synchronization path at a predetermined timing. However, since the real device 10 cannot be inquired when the power is off or in a power saving state using power saving mode, synchronization cannot be achieved with respect to data updated on the virtual device 30 side while in the power saving state. Therefore, in the virtual device 30, data that was updated while synchronization could not be achieved (the above-mentioned "updated data") is held in the data storage unit 32.

The synchronization process performed after returning from the power saving state in response to a user's operation and the process performed when the user instructs execution of a job will be described below with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 3.

In order to cause the real device 10 to execute a job, the user presses the power saving return button of the real device 10 that is in a power saving state. The control unit 15 cancels the power saving mode in response to this button operation by the user (step 101). When the power saving mode is canceled, the synchronization processing unit 11 cooperates with the synchronization processing unit 31 of the virtual device 30 to connect a synchronization path with the virtual device 30 (steps 102 and 201). Subsequently, the synchronization processing unit 11 notifies the virtual device 30 that the virtual device 30 has returned from the power saving state via the synchronization path (step 103). This notification corresponds to an inquiry regarding the presence or absence of updated data. Furthermore, in the case of this embodiment, this notification also corresponds to a path establishment request for a bidirectional communication path. Well, the above process itself may be the same as before.

Upon receiving the notification that the power saving state has been restored (step 202), the synchronization processing unit 31 operates in cooperation with the synchronization processing unit 11 of the real device 10 to connect a bidirectional communication path with the real device 10. (Steps 104, 203). Specifically, connect using the following steps.

That is, the synchronization processing unit 31 transmits a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), which is information that specifies the connection destination of the bidirectional communication path, to the real device 10. The synchronization processing unit 11 in the real device 10 establishes a bidirectional communication path by connecting to the connection destination specified from the URL received from the virtual device 30. The path connection procedure using a URL may be the same as before.

Although it has been explained that the synchronization processing unit 11 acquires the URL from the virtual device 30 after returning from the power saving state, it is possible to acquire the URL before entering the power saving state and obtain it in advance when returning from the power saving state. The two-way communication path may be connected using the previously used URL.

Thereafter, the synchronization processing unit 11 and the synchronization processing unit 31 cooperate to synchronize the update data in the virtual device 30 (steps 105, 204), and then disconnect the synchronization path (steps 106, 205).

On the right side of FIG. 3, arrows indicate periods during which the synchronization path and the bidirectional communication path are established. Since the process control using the synchronization path may be the same as before, in this embodiment, the synchronization path is used to establish synchronization when returning from the power saving state. However, the synchronization process may be performed by using an established bidirectional communication path to achieve synchronization. Once the bidirectional communication path is established, it remains in operation, that is, after the actual device 10 returns from the power saving state, it remains established until the actual device 10 returns to the power saving state.

The operation panel of the real device 10 becomes usable after data synchronization is completed, so the user requests login by operating the operation panel. Alternatively, the user may request the real device 10 to log in by, for example, having an IC card read. The control unit 15 performs user authentication in response to a login request from a user (step 107). Here, we will continue the explanation assuming that user authentication has been successful.

When the user logs in to the real device 10, the user specifies the job to be executed from the operation panel or the like and instructs the execution of the job.

The job receiving unit 12 receives the job instructed to be executed by the user (step 108), and registers it in the job queue 17. Then, the job execution control unit 13 takes out the job instructed by the user from the job queue 17 and starts executing it (step 109).

By the way, assume that data in the virtual device 30 has been updated and it becomes necessary to synchronize. In this case, the synchronization requesting unit 312 requests the real device 10 to execute the synchronization process via the bidirectional communication path (step 206).

Previously, only a synchronization path was established that allowed communication to be started only from the real device 10 side, so the virtual device 30 had no choice but to wait for an inquiry from the real device 10. In this embodiment, since a bidirectional communication path is established in which communication can be initiated even from the virtual device 30 side, the virtual device 30 executes the synchronization process with the real device via the bidirectional communication path as described above. 10 can be requested.

When the request receiving unit 112 in the real device 10 receives a synchronization request via the bidirectional communication path (step 110), the synchronization processing unit 11 and the synchronization processing unit 31 cooperate to synchronize the updated data in the virtual device 30. (steps 112, 207).

According to the present embodiment, update data can be synchronized in response to a synchronization instruction from the virtual device 30 as described above.

By the way, synchronization is achieved by a synchronization request from the virtual device 30, but the job started in step 109 may not have finished yet when the synchronization request is received. A job that has not yet ended may use data that needs to be synchronized, that is, data that corresponds to update data in the virtual device 30. The updated data is data that is not synchronized between the real device 10 and the virtual device 30, in other words, the update is not reflected on the real device 10, so if a job uses this data, the real device 10 and In cooperation with the virtual device 30, problems such as processing failure due to data inconsistency and information leakage due to failure to reflect important updates such as fixes for security vulnerabilities may occur.

Therefore, when synchronizing data in response to a synchronization instruction from the virtual device 30, the job execution control unit 13 in the present embodiment controls job execution according to the degree of influence on job execution. did. That is, upon receiving the synchronization request, the job execution control unit 13 controls the execution of the job being executed before or in parallel with the synchronization process (step 111). The job execution control process in this embodiment will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG.

The influence degree determination unit 131 in the job execution control unit 13 identifies data used by the job being executed, that is, applications and various data (step 1111). On the other hand, the influence degree determination unit 131 refers to the list of update data sent from the virtual device 30 at the time of the synchronization request, and determines the degree of influence that the update data has on job execution (step 1112). Note that either step 1111 or step 1112 may be processed first, or may be processed simultaneously.

For example, suppose that the proxy server address is changed on the virtual device 30 side in the case where the job being executed is a scan transmission job that transmits a scanned image using http (HyperText Transfer Protocol). In this case, the proxy server address is included in the update data. It can be inferred that this change in data called the proxy server address will affect the execution of the scan transmission job. In other words, there is a possibility that the transmission using http will not end normally. Further, assume that when the job being executed is a print job, the application used for printing has been upgraded on the virtual device 30 side. In this case, this application is included in the update data. It can be assumed that this application update affects the execution of print jobs. For example, when the real device 10 and the virtual device 30 cooperate to perform image processing, there is a possibility that the content of the processing will be inconsistent, and printing may not be completed normally due to an error. Further, suppose that when the job being executed is a print job involving color printing, the virtual device 30 side changes to prohibit color printing. In this case, the update data includes a setting that prohibits color printing. Changing this data to prohibit color printing will disable color printing, but if you change the job execution conditions from color printing to black and white printing, printing itself can continue and be completed normally. . Furthermore, for example, if the job being executed is a print job, and the data used for printing is not included in the updated data, the current data synchronization (steps 112, 207) may affect the execution of the print job. I can assume that you won't give it.

The influence degree determination unit 131 in this embodiment performs the influence degree determination described above with reference to influence degree determination information shown in FIG. 2 . The job execution control unit 13 also performs job execution control based on the influence degree determination result with reference to the influence degree determination information.

That is, when the job execution control unit 13 determines that executing the synchronization will not affect the job being executed (“No” in step 1113), the job execution control unit 13 continues to execute the job as is (step 1114).

On the other hand, when the job execution control unit 13 determines that executing the synchronization will affect the job being executed (“Yes” in step 1113), the job execution control unit 13 switches the processing depending on the degree of influence on the job. That is, when the job execution control unit 13 determines that the job can be continued to be executed by changing the execution conditions, such as the print job involving color printing illustrated above (Y in step 1115), the job execution control unit 13 changes the execution conditions. and continues execution of the job (step 1116).

However, there may be a case where the user who requests execution of the job does not wish to execute the job with the execution conditions changed. Therefore, the job execution control unit 13 notifies the user who issued the job execution instruction that the execution conditions have been changed (step 1117). For example, the job execution control unit 13 may temporarily stop the execution of the job, and while the execution is stopped, display on the operation panel a message to the effect that the execution conditions have been changed and whether or not to execute the job. Please confirm with the user if this is possible. Then, the job execution control unit 13 resumes execution of the job if the user selects to execute the job, and cancels execution of the job if the user does not select to execute the job.

In the above description, the job execution condition is explained using color printing as an example, but the job execution condition is not limited to this. For example, settings related to job attributes may prohibit double-sided printing and result in only one-sided printing, or may prohibit printing on A3 paper and limit printing to A4 size only.

In addition, when the job execution control unit 13 determines that changing the execution conditions will affect the execution of the job as in the case of the above-exemplified scan transmission job (N in step 1115), the job execution control unit 13 executes the job according to the setting of the influence degree determination information. Execution of the job is stopped (step 1118). Then, the job execution control unit 13 notifies the user that execution of the job has been canceled (step 1119).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the bidirectional communication path is connected after the actual device 10 returns from the power saving state, and thereafter, the bidirectional communication path is connected while each multifunction device 10, 30 is in operation. By always maintaining the established state and by constantly monitoring communication via the bidirectional communication path by the real device 10, it is possible to instruct the start of synchronization even from the virtual device 30 side. . Further, when synchronization is performed based on an instruction from the virtual device 30, the real device 10 controls the execution of the job in consideration of the effect of the synchronization on the job being executed.

Note that although the present embodiment has been described with a focus on jobs being executed, jobs registered in the job queue 17, that is, jobs that have not yet been executed, may also be executed before the synchronization processing in steps 112 and 207 is started. Since there is a possibility that the job is in progress, you can deal with it in the same way as for the job that is currently being executed. That is, if the execution conditions can be handled by changing the execution conditions, the execution conditions are changed. In this case, in the same way as above, the user who gave the job execution instruction may be notified and inquired as to whether or not to change the execution conditions. If the user allows the execution conditions to be changed, the execution conditions are changed; if the user does not allow the changes, the job is deleted from the job queue 17. If the job cannot be handled by changing the execution conditions, the job is deleted from the job queue 17 and the user is notified of the deletion.

Further, even when the user is operating the operation panel to register a job, the user is notified by displaying on the operation panel that synchronization will be performed according to instructions from the virtual device 30. It's okay. If you can identify the attributes of the job you are configuring, such as print job or color printing attributes, in other words whether or not the data corresponding to the update data is used, then you are configuring a job related to the update data. The notification may be made only to users.

Further, the job in this embodiment is not limited to a job executed in accordance with an execution instruction from a user who operates an operation panel, but may be a job sent via a network, for example.

In the above embodiments, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, and may include a general-purpose processor (for example, CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) or a dedicated processor (for example, GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated C). circuit, FPGA :Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

Further, the operation of the processor in the above embodiments may not only be performed by one processor, but also performed by a plurality of processors located at physically separate locations in cooperation with each other. Further, the order of each operation of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

(((1)))
In an information processing device that synchronizes data with another information processing device by causing the other information processing device to transmit data in response to an inquiry via a synchronization path in which communication can only be initiated from the own device side. ,
Equipped with a processor,
The processor includes:
By transmitting a path establishment request to the other information processing device via the synchronization path, communication is started from any direction with the other information processing device separately from the synchronization path. Establish a communication path that allows
When data synchronization is instructed from the other information processing device via the communication path, synchronizing the data in response to the instruction;
An information processing device characterized by:
(((2)))
The information processing device according to ((1))), wherein the communication path is maintained in an established state during operation.
(((3)))
When the processor synchronizes the data in response to an instruction from the other information processing device, the processor controls the execution of the job depending on the degree of influence on the execution of the job ((( 1))).
(((4)))
The information processing apparatus according to ((3))), wherein the processor suspends execution of the job if synchronization of the data affects execution of the job.
(((5)))
The information processing apparatus according to ((4))), wherein the processor notifies the execution requester that execution of the job has been canceled.
(((6)))
The processor changes the execution conditions of the job and executes the job, if the synchronization of the data affects the execution of the job but changes the execution conditions of the job. The information processing device according to ((3))), characterized in that:
(((7)))
The information processing apparatus according to ((6))), wherein the processor notifies the execution requester that the execution conditions of the job have been changed.
(((8)))
The information processing apparatus according to ((3))), wherein the processor executes the job as is if the synchronization of the data does not affect execution of the job.
(((9)))
The processor is characterized in that it notifies a user who is setting up a job related to the data that data will be synchronized in response to an instruction from the other information processing device (((1)). ).
(((10)))
The information processing device according to ((1))), wherein the other information processing device is formed on a cloud.
(((11)))
A computer that synchronizes data with another computer by causing the other computer to transmit data in response to an inquiry via a synchronization path in which communication can only be initiated from the computer itself;
By sending a path establishment request to the other computer via the synchronization path, a communication path is established between the other computer and the other computer that allows communication to be started from any direction, separate from the synchronization path. function to establish,
a function of synchronizing the data in response to an instruction from the other computer via the communication path;
A program to make this happen.

According to the invention described in ((1))), data synchronization is achieved by having another information processing device transmit data in response to an inquiry via a synchronization path in which communication can only be initiated from the own device side. In this case, data can be synchronized in response to a synchronization instruction from another information processing device.
According to the invention described in ((2))), it is possible to keep the information processing device in a state where it can receive data synchronization instructions from other information processing devices during operation.
According to the invention described in ((3))), execution of a job can be controlled in consideration of the degree of influence on the job.
According to the invention described in ((4))), if data synchronization affects job execution, it is possible to prevent the job from being executed under the current execution conditions.
According to the invention described in ((5))), it is possible to notify the execution requester that the job was not executed as scheduled and was canceled.
According to the invention described in ((6))), a job can be executed with the execution conditions changed.
According to the invention described in ((7))), it is possible to notify the execution requester that the execution conditions set for the job have been changed.
According to the invention described in ((8))), a job can be executed as is even if data is synchronized.
According to the invention described in ((9))), execution of jobs affected by data synchronization can be prevented.
According to the invention described in ((10))), data can be synchronized in response to an instruction from another external information processing device.
According to the invention described in ((11))), data synchronization is achieved by having another information processing device transmit data in response to an inquiry via a synchronization path in which communication can only be initiated from the own device side. In this case, data can be synchronized in response to a synchronization instruction from another information processing device.

2 network, 10 multifunction device (real device), 11, 31 synchronization processing unit, 12 job reception unit, 13 job execution control unit, 14 user interface unit, 15 control unit, 16, 32 data storage unit, 17 job queue, 18 influence degree determination information storage unit, 30 multifunction device (virtual device), 111, 311 bidirectional communication path connection unit, 112 request reception unit, 131 influence degree determination unit.

Claims (11)

In an information processing device that synchronizes data with another information processing device by causing the other information processing device to transmit data in response to an inquiry via a synchronization path in which communication can only be initiated from the own device side. ,
Equipped with a processor,
The processor includes:
By transmitting a path establishment request to the other information processing device via the synchronization path, communication is started from any direction with the other information processing device separately from the synchronization path. Establish a communication path that allows
When data synchronization is instructed from the other information processing device via the communication path, synchronizing the data in response to the instruction;
An information processing device characterized by: The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication path is maintained in an established state during operation. 2. The processor, when synchronizing the data in response to an instruction from the other information processing device, controls the execution of the job according to the degree of influence on the execution of the job. The information processing device described in . The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the processor suspends execution of the job if synchronization of the data affects execution of the job. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processor notifies an execution requester that execution of the job has been canceled. The processor changes the execution conditions of the job and executes the job, if the synchronization of the data affects the execution of the job but changes the execution conditions of the job. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the processor notifies an execution requester that execution conditions for the job have been changed. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the processor executes the job as is if the synchronization of the data does not affect execution of the job. 2. The processor according to claim 1, wherein the processor notifies a user who is setting up a job related to the data that data will be synchronized in response to an instruction from the other information processing device. Information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the other information processing device is formed on a cloud. A computer that synchronizes data with another computer by causing the other computer to transmit data in response to an inquiry via a synchronization path in which communication can only be initiated from the computer itself;
By sending a path establishment request to the other computer via the synchronization path, a communication path is established between the other computer and the other computer that allows communication to be started from any direction, separate from the synchronization path. function to establish,
a function for synchronizing the data in response to an instruction from the other computer via the communication path;
A program to make this happen.

Images